Digital Design

This unit aims to develop students’ ability to use computer technology for the expression of ideas and for creating
static two-dimensional communication. Students will be encouraged to explore vector and raster oriented software
tools to achieve communication objectives within specified formats. This unit of study is particularly concerned with
explorative, creative thinking expressed through the appropriate application of software to design propositions. Some
key production and legal issues associated with digital design will be introduced in the course of this unit. Students will
be encouraged to critically engage with complex questions of design as property and/or production and issues in
digital visualisation.

 

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
1. Pre-visualise, draft and refine communication concepts, making appropriate choices of software and digital
hardware for design objectives;
2. Apply systematic processes of digital technology leading to effective production practices for static two-dimensional
outcomes;
3. Recognise their copyright and intellectual property (IP) responsibilities within their design professions and reference
all sources appropriately;
4. Demonstrate independent research skills, emphasising the critical use of available information for decision-making
through comprehensive evidence of process in work-books;
5. Explore potential of vector and raster oriented drawing software;
6. Choose appropriate software and digital hardware for execution of visual communication tasks.

 

This unit will be taught at the Wantirna campus.

36 hours of structured learning, including lectures, tutorials and assessments.

Design Project brief with staged assessment                           Individual     40%
Design Project brief with staged assessment                           Individual     40%
Presentation                                                                                      Individual     20%

Students will receive feedback on their progress in attaining the following key generic skills:
• analysis skills,
• problem solving skills,
• communications skills,
• ability to tackle unfamiliar problems, and
• ability to work independently.

Topics for discussion may include:
• Software choices;
• Vector and raster formats;
• Resolution and file formats;
• Colour management and formats;
• Systematic digital processes;
• Image acquisition;
• Source acknowledgement;
• Project visualization, planning and prototyping;
• Visual communication of ideas;
• Managing digital files.